Goodbye tony and toucan sam!

[Gaastra]

http://www.cartoonbrew.com/

Goodbye tony the tiger, toucan sam, Lucky chams, spongebob cereal, And others!

It's the end of an era for kids who grew up on these cereals in the 50s-90s!

[Sean Walsh]

I hate meddling parents.

Can't we make a law banning them?

Seriously. Now cereal is awful and must be altered to make 4 or 5 people happy??


I'm pretty sure I hate America now. :mad:

[dingo]

I hate meddling parents.

Can't we make a law banning them?

Seriously. Now cereal is awful and must be altered to make 4 or 5 people happy??


I'm pretty sure I hate America now. :mad:

It is probably equal parts that and fear of future fat people sueing.

[Tommy]

This is so vary wrong on so many levels. All children should have to opportunity to find a toy in their cereal.

[Lone Ranger]

I've skimmed over their new policy, and it is so beautifully crafted that I don't think most people realize that it does next to nothing.

I imagine we will see slight reduction in sugar for some (Frosted Flakes is 18 grams per serving), and very little or none for some others (Fruit Loops is 12 grams per serving, and Lucky Charms is 13 grams per serving). Very few are over 200 calories per serving, fat and sodium are a non-issue for most cereals.

As far as I can tell Fruit Loops meets the new criteria.

Toucan Sam is still in show biz!

Here a site with some nutritional info:

http://www.kidseatsmart.ca/PDFs/nutrition_info_handbook.pdf

[Spackling Compound]

This is so vary wrong on so many levels. All children should have to opportunity to find a toy in their cereal.

My fear is that the new toys in the new cereals will be models of the human brain or one of those felt globes you find at the un-fun toy stores like Zany Brainy.
Hey, kids! Send in 5 proof of purchase seals and get an AWESOME set of wooden vegetables. MADE IN SWEDEN!

[Matt Algren]

Kellogg’s has announced (http://www.cartoonbrew.com/advertising/goodbye-toucan-sam) it will no longer market its sugared cereals to children.My question is who will they market their kid's cereals to? Will we start seeing commercials during Law & Order: SVU?

Also, this is the best art ever. It's so specific to the time. I'm half tempted to buy one (http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=12-956).

http://www.cartoonbrew.com/wp-content/uploads/kelloggsweeteat.jpg

[K'Nort]

They can use all of their own characters. They just can't use external characters like the latest cartoon character. So that only hurts the collector market.

I still forget they dropped Sugar from the names however many years ago. I think they replaced most of them with Golden.

In the 80s, Frosted Flakes actually had the same calorie count as Corn Flakes. The sugar was just on the outside instead of mixed in. No idea whether that is still true.

[Matt Algren]

I've skimmed over their new policy, and it is so beautifully crafted that I don't think most people realize that it does next to nothing.

I imagine we will see slight reduction in sugar for some (Frosted Flakes is 18 grams per serving), and very little or none for some others (Fruit Loops is 12 grams per serving, and Lucky Charms is 13 grams per serving). Very few are over 200 calories per serving, fat and sodium are a non-issue for most cereals.
They've already done that. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-03-21-cereals_x.htm) They cut the sugar in Cinnamon Toast Crunch by 75%, Fruity Pebbles by 50%, Froot Loops by 33%. The problem is that they increased refined carbohydrates to keep the crunch.

The real answer, of course, is one that the kid's cereal industry isn't going to tell you. (It is a billion dollar industry, after all.) Maybe kids wouldn't be getting fatter if their parents stopped buying them cereal that's bad for them.

[Your Imaginary Pal]

the funny thing is this has been an issue for Kellog's since it's inception.
One brother was a nutritionist who wanted to keep it a grain cereal with vitamins added in. The other obsessed with sales wanted the taste to push the product and wanted more sugar in the recipe. This was just for corn flakes at the time.

This just seems to be a continuation of the original conflict.

[K'Nort]

They've already done that. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-03-21-cereals_x.htm) They cut the sugar in Cinnamon Toast Crunch by 75%, Fruity Pebbles by 50%, Froot Loops by 33%. The problem is that they increased refined carbohydrates to keep the crunch.

The real answer, of course, is one that the kid's cereal industry isn't going to tell you. (It is a billion dollar industry, after all.) Maybe kids wouldn't be getting fatter if their parents stopped buying them cereal that's bad for them.

And the cereal probably isn't that bad for them in terms of official serving sizes. But isn't that half a cup? Your average actual bowl of cereal is the equivalent of three or four servings. And then some kids have two bowls. And sometimes pour more sugar on top.

My mother never let us eat sugared cereals. That was the best part of slumber parties for me. And my first semster of college, in the dorms, I ate Froot Loops every single morning just because I could.

[Typo Lad]

I still eat sugared cereals.

[Lone Ranger]

I still eat sugared cereals.

I had Mini-Wheats for breakfast.

Actually - I often has cereal as a snack - as I figure it has more going for it than a lot of other snack food, and Pringles taste awful in milk.

[thespianphryne]

Oh man! I love Cocoa Krispies and Frosted Flakes. And I loved 'em when I was a kid. But if my mom wanted me eating healthy, she didn't let me have chocolate frosted sugar bombs whenever I wanted. And anyway, a calorie laden breakfast never hurt a kid - it keeps the brain and body going.


-Das

[K'Nort]

We got plenty of calories. We were just kept away from excess sugar. And caffeine. My folks were very big on "seen and not heard" and probably figured that would help a lot. No highs.

[Matt Algren]

You know what cereal is good? Cracklin' Oat Bran. Enough sugar to feed my sweet tooth, enough bran to...well, you know. I usually keep a box in a drawer and have it as a dry snack at work.

[Spackling Compound]

I remember that there was a time when cereal was PART OF A BALANCED breakfast.

Cereal in and of itself, especially the sugar kind, aren't all there is to breakfast.

Maybe they should just call them "snacks" and let kids have fun with them.

This is such a non-issue. I am so frustrated with the politics and even race involved in the nutrition debate.

[thespianphryne]

We got plenty of calories. We were just kept away from excess sugar. And caffeine. My folks were very big on "seen and not heard" and probably figured that would help a lot. No highs.
Same here.

I remember that there was a time when cereal was PART OF A BALANCED breakfast.

Cereal in and of itself, especially the sugar kind, aren't all there is to breakfast.

[....]
Exactly! If cereal is all the damn kid is eating for breakfast, it's not a good enough breakfast. Scarfing down cereal was usually reserved for days we were running late.


-Das

[K'Nort]

I always thought their idea of balanced breakfast was a little off though. From what I remember in those tv commercials, it was cereal and buttered toast and a glass of juice and a glass of milk. Seems high on the grains and low on the fruit/veg. I guess you're getting extra protein from the double dose of milk, but multiple sources is better, like peanut butter on the toast (no one was allergic then) or a side of bacon.

[Spackling Compound]

I always thought their idea of balanced breakfast was a little off though. From what I remember in those tv commercials, it was cereal and buttered toast and a glass of juice and a glass of milk. Seems high on the grains and low on the fruit/veg. I guess you're getting extra protein from the double dose of milk, but multiple sources is better, like peanut butter on the toast (no one was allergic then) or a side of bacon.

The commercials showed that, perhaps. But I remember during the 70's, the box would have that pyramid on there or some little caption describing what a balanced breakfast was.

I remember because one morning we read what all was expected for breakfast and my mother said, "Do you want eggs or the Freakies mobile?"

http://members.tripod.com/~Meisner65/FREAK2.JPG

[Sir Tim Drake]

Oh man! I love Cocoa Krispies and Frosted Flakes. And I loved 'em when I was a kid. But if my mom wanted me eating healthy, she didn't let me have chocolate frosted sugar bombs whenever I wanted. And anyway, a calorie laden breakfast never hurt a kid - it keeps the brain and body going.

One of the unfortunate consequences of Bill Watterson's stance on merchandising is that Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs don't really exist.

[thespianphryne]

One of the unfortunate consequences of Bill Watterson's stance on merchandising is that Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs don't really exist.

That's okay. Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs are an ideal that all other sugared cereals merely aspire to. The idea of it is more important than the tangible product. Although Oreo O's http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m262/phryneateleusis/Other/Oreo_Os.gif do come fairly close.


-Das

[founder81]

Anyone want to form a country where idiot (or lazy parents) don't rule?

So far all these things have to be kid safe:

TV
Movies
Video Games
and now Cereal.


If you want a quick easy breakfast that is healthy for your kid, how about a piece of fruit? Remember that. No cartoon characters, certainly a hassle over the cartoon sugar pops in a bowl, but there has to be at least 1 single fruit your kid likes. Stop changing things cause your too lazy to parent. Raising kids is hard, but damn, step up to the challenge.


Well, its an end of an era. Let's all mourn.

(but the country I propose to make, TRIPLE sugar in all cereals !!!!)

[Tish-the-Scorpion]

the funny thing is this has been an issue for Kellog's since it's inception.
One brother was a nutritionist who wanted to keep it a grain cereal with vitamins added in. The other obsessed with sales wanted the taste to push the product and wanted more sugar in the recipe. This was just for corn flakes at the time.

This just seems to be a continuation of the original conflict.you saw the history channel program on cereal too huh?

[Deathstroke]

The pussification of America continues.

[Joe Grendel]

I hate meddling parents.

I hate the fact that one in three children are obese and we've got skyrocketing diabetes and other health issues because parents feel the need to force-feed their children lard, raw sugar and what appears to be compost.

And since my tax dollars and insurance premiums get to subsidize everyone else's habits, it is my problem and my business.

[Brian Cronin]

"Goodbye tony and toucan sam" while the article linked to says that neither character is necessarily being removed (in fact, the only mention of the characters is to point out that they do NOT have to be removed).

That's not particularly well done on cartoonbrew's part, or yours, Gaastra.

-Brian

[Alex]

I thought kids didn't eat breakfast?

[Fenris]

I hate the fact that one in three children are obese and we've got skyrocketing diabetes and other health issues because parents feel the need to force-feed their children lard, raw sugar and what appears to be compost.

And since my tax dollars and insurance premiums get to subsidize everyone else's habits, it is my problem and my business.

Well, I don't know about force-feeding. ("Moooom! Why can't we have wheat bran for breakfast instead of Rice Krispies cereal?")

But that aside, it's definitely a point. If everyone's going to pay for our habits, then everyone's going to have an interest in them.

õ
One way or another!

[Sadyv]

I hate the fact that one in three children are obese and we've got skyrocketing diabetes and other health issues because parents feel the need to force-feed their children lard, raw sugar and what appears to be compost.

And since my tax dollars and insurance premiums get to subsidize everyone else's habits, it is my problem and my business.

I don't really understand what point you are trying to make here. Can you clarify ?

[une]

I don't know, at first glance this seems pretty bad, but I've been to the cereal aisle with a five year old before. It's not pretty. Some children really go insane in te cereal aisle. I've seen children quite literally fall on the ground and refuse to move and just start screaming if their parents didn't buy them whatever cereal they wanted. Now, some parents have a strong will and can ignore that, but sometimes the parents will give in, just to avoid a scene.

I know parents need to be responsible in rasing their kids, but their needs to be some kind of corporate responsibility as well.

[nervmeister]

My fear is that the new toys in the new cereals will be models of the human brain or one of those felt globes you find at the un-fun toy stores like Zany Brainy.
Hey, kids! Send in 5 proof of purchase seals and get an AWESOME set of wooden vegetables. MADE IN SWEDEN!GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHH!!!!! (rips hair out)

[Loren]

According to Adweek (http://www.adweek.com/aw/national/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003599969), Frosted Flakes meets Kellogg's self-imposed health requirements, so Tony the Tiger isn't going anywhere. Snap, Crackle, and Pop will continue to be used in advertising targeting adults.

The article details the scope of Kellogg's plan, and it does look like Toucan Sam is going to have his wings clipped for a while.

[Matt Algren]

I don't know, at first glance this seems pretty bad, but I've been to the cereal aisle with a five year old before. It's not pretty. Some children really go insane in te cereal aisle. I've seen children quite literally fall on the ground and refuse to move and just start screaming if their parents didn't buy them whatever cereal they wanted. Now, some parents have a strong will and can ignore that, but sometimes the parents will give in, just to avoid a scene.

I know parents need to be responsible in rasing their kids, but their needs to be some kind of corporate responsibility as well.
Sorry, no. That 'throw a snit' routine only happens when the kid a) is testing to see if it'll work or b) knows that it works.

[Slam_Bradley]

Well goodness knows that parents couldn't just refuse to buy the stuff for their lil porkchops. Or maybe make them get off their flabby asses and stop playing Playstation and get some exercise. That would mean they'd have to take some responsibility and act like adults.

[Deathstroke]

Well goodness knows that parents couldn't just refuse to buy the stuff for their lil porkchops. Or maybe make them get off their flabby asses and stop playing Playstation and get some exercise. That would mean they'd have to take some responsibility and act like adults.

Yeah, like getting them involved in youth sports....

[Spackling Compound]

Snap, Crackle, and Pop will continue to be used in advertising targeting adults.

Kellogg's executive meeting....

Ok, folks, we all know that cartoon characters aren't for kids anymore. So we have to up the ante and appeal to the audience who identifies with Snap, Crackle and Pop; the baby-boomers and GenXers. I've gotten it from some pretty sharp cookies that adults who grew up with these characters want to see them but not as adorable elfin creatures but on a more adult level.
I've employed this hip kid, Johns..Geoff, I believeisnameis, to re-script Snap, Crackle and Pop for an edgier crowd.
The premise is that Snap is actually a transgendered man who finds himself conflicted by memories of being molested by a priest, thus the name SNAP (Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests).
Crackle is a mercenary and bounty hunter who seeks to avenge the death of his wife and kids slain by a large talking tiger...but it's not who you think.
Pop is a teenage love interest of both Snap and Crackle and will be depicted overly sexualized, often nude and will die a few times but come back.
And the cereal will taste like blood, urine and semen.
Brilliant? Yes?

[Matt Algren]

Yeah, like getting them involved in youth sports....
Youth activities = good. Too many activities = bad. I've known people who don't see their kids year round because they're in baseball and soccer and basketball and hockey and football and Scouts and so on.

Getting your kids involved in organized activities can be good, but I think there's value in them having unorganized time too.

[Tom]

I don't understand all the vitriol here. The article says they're going to stop marketing their sugar cereals to children. Parents are still free to buy them if they want.

[Slam_Bradley]

I don't understand all the vitriol here. The article says they're going to stop marketing their sugar cereals to children. Parents are still free to buy them if they want.


The vitriol is for the parents who don't have the intestinal fortitude to do their job as parents and see that Lil Johnny doesn't eat a half a box of Fruit Loops every morning as he settles in to the beginning of his seven hours of playing Playstation.

You're right. Parents are still free to buy the cereal. But parents have also always been free to NOT buy them. They further have a responsibility to ensure that their children are healthy, but it's easier to scapegoat a corporation than to own up to the fact that they aren't doing their jobs as parents.

[nervmeister]

Kellogg's executive meeting....

Ok, folks, we all know that cartoon characters aren't for kids anymore. So we have to up the ante and appeal to the audience who identifies with Snap, Crackle and Pop; the baby-boomers and GenXers. I've gotten it from some pretty sharp cookies that adults who grew up with these characters want to see them but not as adorable elfin creatures but on a more adult level.
I've employed this hip kid, Johns..Geoff, I believeisnameis, to re-script Snap, Crackle and Pop for an edgier crowd.
The premise is that Snap is actually a transgendered man who finds himself conflicted by memories of being molested by a priest, thus the name SNAP (Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests).
Crackle is a mercenary and bounty hunter who seeks to avenge the death of his wife and kids slain by a large talking tiger...but it's not who you think.
Pop is a teenage love interest of both Snap and Crackle and will be depicted overly sexualized, often nude and will die a few times but come back.
And the cereal will taste like blood, urine and semen.
Brilliant? Yes?My god. What the fuck is wrong with these people?

[Matt Algren]

The vitriol is for the parents who don't have the intestinal fortitude to do their job as parents and see that Lil Johnny doesn't eat a half a box of Fruit Loops every morning as he settles in to the beginning of his seven hours of playing Playstation.

You're right. Parents are still free to buy the cereal. But parents have also always been free to NOT buy them. They further have a responsibility to ensure that their children are healthy, but it's easier to scapegoat a corporation than to own up to the fact that they aren't doing their jobs as parents.Yeah, I think that's it, though my vitriol is fairly subdued. I just hate it when people (corporations) offer fake solutions that they know are fake in order to give the appearance that they're taking care of a problem. What I'd rather see is Kellogg's (etc) come out and say "You know what, parents? We tell you what's in every serving, and we tell you how much a serving is, and we tell you what else your kids should be eating for breakfast. It's your job to decide to do it or not."

[Iangould]

I don't understand all the vitriol here. The article says they're going to stop marketing their sugar cereals to children. Parents are still free to buy them if they want.

But Tom can't you see this is just the thin end of the wedge?

Don't you remember Neimoller's famous warning which starts: "When they came for the cartoon toucans, I said nothing because I was not a cartoon toucan..."

[nervmeister]

Toucan Sam is an inaccurate stereotype of British people. He needs to have his nose shortened and his teeth made worse. Either that or just make him Jewish to fit in with the whole "follow your nose" routine.

[Slam_Bradley]

Yeah, I think that's it, though my vitriol is fairly subdued. I just hate it when people (corporations) offer fake solutions that they know are fake in order to give the appearance that they're taking care of a problem. What I'd rather see is Kellogg's (etc) come out and say "You know what, parents? We tell you what's in every serving, and we tell you how much a serving is, and we tell you what else your kids should be eating for breakfast. It's your job to decide to do it or not."


I'd much prefer that as well. And, yeah, it's a fake solution. But it's also a fake problem. Seven year olds aren't breaking open their piggy-banks to feed their Froot Loop habit. Mommy and Daddy are buying it for them and letting them eat as much as they want. Along with their daily trips to McD's, their multiple gaming systems and their tv's in their bedrooms.

So instead of placing the blame where it belongs, on parents not actually parenting, we threaten an expensive and time-consuming law suit. I can't blame Kellogg at all for coming up with a fake solution.

[Tom]

I get what people are saying but they don't market cigarettes or alcohol (anymore) to kids either. As someone who worked in the advertising and marketing industry for too long, I'm happy to see them take the not-sleazy route for once - even if they did have to be threatened to do it.

[Spackling Compound]

I get what people are saying but they don't market cigarettes or alcohol (anymore) to kids either. As someone who worked in the advertising and marketing industry for too long, I'm happy to see them take the not-sleazy route for once - even if they did have to be threatened to do it.

I suppose arguably there is a bit of a difference between the effects of smoking and alcohol and the effects of Frosted Flakes on a child.

I see the first as more damaging but then again, I am sure someone has science and study to the contrary.

[Valmore]

Clearly the blame falls on trial lawyers who prey off of parents looking to sue companies for selling them products that made their kids fat!

BLAME THE LAWYERS!

[Deathstroke]

Youth activities = good. Too many activities = bad. I've known people who don't see their kids year round because they're in baseball and soccer and basketball and hockey and football and Scouts and so on.

Getting your kids involved in organized activities can be good, but I think there's value in them having unorganized time too.

Absolutely.

Hey I'm not claiming to be Mr. In Shape or anything but when I was a kid, I had organized basketball in the winter and all year round I was out playing baseball, football, basketball and street hockey in the neighborhood.

Too often these days, the unorganized time is spent with video games and TV and nothing else.